Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
Discover the historic home where the iconic Star-Spangled Banner flag was sewn, inspiring the national anthem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Special ceremonies & free admission
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
Best Time
Special ceremonies & free admission
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the historic home where the iconic Star-Spangled Banner flag was sewn, inspiring the national anthem.
"A must-visit for history buffs, offering an engaging look at American heritage and the creation of a national symbol."
🎯 Flag Day Free Entry
Visit on June 14th for free admission and special ceremonies!
🎧 Audio Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with the self-paced audio tour for in-depth history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
844 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD
The historic home where Mary Young Pickersgill sewed the iconic garrison flag.
Exact-Size Replica Flag
Museum Exhibit
A stunning, wall-sized replica of the original Star-Spangled Banner.
Interactive Exhibits
Museum
Engaging displays detailing the flag's creation and historical significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Flag Day
Book Ahead for Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Flag Day Free Entry
Visit on June 14th for free admission and special ceremonies!
🎧 Audio Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with the self-paced audio tour for in-depth history.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love the interactive flagpole and learning about flag making!
📍 Location Insight
Conveniently located in Baltimore, a great stop after Fort McHenry.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Flag Day Free Entry
Visit on June 14th for free admission and special ceremonies!
🎧 Audio Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with the self-paced audio tour for in-depth history.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love the interactive flagpole and learning about flag making!
📍 Location Insight
Conveniently located in Baltimore, a great stop after Fort McHenry.
💰 Affordable Admission
Reasonably priced at $10 for a rich historical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House for its informative exhibits and the engaging experience of seeing the exact-size replica flag. Many highlight its suitability for families, with interactive elements that children enjoy. Some wish for expanded historical narratives, particularly regarding the contributions of enslaved individuals.
"We were disappointed to discover the museum closed on a Monday. We were in Baltimore on a Sunday and Monday and really wanted to visit this museum as part of our trip. We were able to at least stop by and take a look at the outside of the building and the cortyard. Although we might have the chance to return to Baltimore someday, this trip could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Our Haunted Travels - PANICd
"The museum is great! Not only full of good, interesting info but also was a fun place for my kids. They enjoyed the flagpole that they could put up and down. But we all especially enjoyed the house! Great tour! Learned a lot and I was so happy that my kids had a blast!"
janie good
"Special historic site. I hope they become part of the National Park Service. It would also be nice to have more memorial to the enslaved or “indentured servant” population who helped make the flags. A modern day sum of $9,000 for the famous one.
The exact-size replica covers a whole wall!"
Kristy Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House is located at 844 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore, MD. It's easily accessible by car and public transportation. Many visitors combine a trip here with a visit to Fort McHenry, as they are relatively close to each other.
Parking availability can vary. There are often metered street parking options nearby, and several parking garages are within walking distance. It's advisable to check local parking apps for real-time availability and rates.
Yes, Baltimore's public transportation system serves the area. You can check routes and schedules for buses or light rail that stop near the Inner Harbor or Pratt Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and the museum is sometimes closed on Mondays. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Admission is typically around $10 per person, offering great value for the historical insights provided. Special events like Flag Day may offer free admission.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to take a guided tour or visit during a special event like Flag Day to ensure availability.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel is usually available on their website. It's always a good idea to inquire directly or check their official site for any current offers.
The museum strives to be accessible. It's best to contact the Flag House directly or check their website for specific details on accessibility features within the historic house and museum exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic house where Mary Young Pickersgill sewed the flag, view an exact-size replica of the Star-Spangled Banner, and engage with informative exhibits about its history and significance. +1
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the history. An audio tour is also an option for a self-paced experience.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the interactive exhibits, such as the flagpole they can operate, and the engaging stories about the flag's creation.
A visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest level and whether you opt for a guided tour or self-paced exploration.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival regarding restrictions on photography, especially flash photography, within the exhibits and historic house.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the historic house offers charming photo opportunities, especially with the courtyard. Inside, the exact-size replica flag is a dramatic subject, though photography rules should be observed. 
Photography policies inside the museum can change. While some areas may allow non-flash photography, it's essential to respect any posted signs or staff instructions to preserve the exhibits.
Typically, flash photography is discouraged to protect artifacts. Some exhibits might have specific 'no photo' signs. Always be mindful of other visitors and the historical context.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider using the audio tour, which can be adapted for children, to keep them entertained and informed. The manageable size of the site means you won't be rushing, allowing kids to explore at their own pace. It's a highly recommended spot for a family outing in Baltimore.
📚 History Buffs & Educators
Educators will find this site invaluable for bringing lessons to life. The historical accuracy and the tangible connection to a national symbol make it an ideal field trip destination or a personal pilgrimage for anyone interested in the origins of the U.S. national anthem.
🏛️ Culture & Heritage Seekers
+1It's a place that resonates with national pride and offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in U.S. history. The museum's dedication to preserving and sharing this story makes it a compelling destination for anyone interested in cultural landmarks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Mary Young Pickersgill
+1Her story is one of entrepreneurship and patriotism. The Flag House aims to tell her story and the broader narrative of flag making in early America. Visitors can learn about the challenges of creating such a large and intricate flag with the materials available at the time.
Insights from visitors highlight the importance of understanding Pickersgill's role. Some reviews suggest a desire for more recognition of the enslaved or indentured individuals who may have assisted in the flag's creation, adding another layer to the historical narrative.
The Significance of the Star-Spangled Banner
+1The Flag House provides context for this pivotal moment in American history. Exhibits detail the War of 1812, the Battle of Baltimore, and the flag's journey. Seeing an exact-size replica of the flag can be a breathtaking experience, allowing visitors to grasp the sheer scale and impact of this national icon.
Many visitors find the museum to be an excellent follow-up to a visit to Fort McHenry, as it provides the backstory of the flag that is so central to the fort's historical significance. The connection between the house, the flag, and the anthem is palpable for those who explore the site.
Visiting the Flag House with Children
The self-paced audio tour can be adapted for younger audiences, and the visual displays, including the impressive replica flag, are captivating. The house itself, with its historical furnishings, offers a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century life that can spark curiosity.
Parents often report that their children had a 'blast' and learned a lot, making it a worthwhile stop for families looking for educational and fun experiences in Baltimore. The manageable size of the site also prevents younger visitors from becoming overwhelmed.
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